Modern Rail Capital (MRC), a leading Chicago-based railcar lessor, announced today that Kevin McHugh will serve as the company’s new President. McHugh succeeds Kevin Cook, who has been the company’s President since 2021.

McHugh joined MRC in August and will officially begin his tenure as President on Sept. 1.

Kevin McHugh

"MRC’s customer-focused approach and agility position the company well for continued success,” McHugh said. “I look forward to building on the company's momentum and driving the next phase of growth."

McHugh brings extensive commercial and portfolio expertise to MRC, most recently serving as the Senior Vice President of Sales at Wells Fargo Rail. His distinguished career also includes senior leadership roles at GE Capital Rail Services, as well as foundational leadership experience serving as a Commander in the U.S. Navy.

Kevin Cook

Cook, who will remain an advisor to the MRC board, played a key role in shaping MRC’s customer-focused culture and establishing a strong foundation for the company’s continued growth.

“The thing I am most proud of over the last five years is the team we have built here at MRC and the focus that we have placed on the customer,” said Cook. “One of the biggest things that we were looking for in my replacement is somebody that can sustain the culture we’ve built here at MRC. Kevin [McHugh] stood out amongst the candidates from a personality perspective, from an approach, and knowledge to be able to continue that culture.”